Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got three baby RES and they have all been very active, healthy, and eating well. I use Turtle Clean and a charcoal filter running at 70 GPH and of course i treat the water with ZooMed ReptiSafe. The temperature is kept between 75-80 (i'm trying to keep it down to 75 but it seems to flux sometimes). My one baby turtle has had both of his eyes closed for a few days now and swims around frantically bumping into things. They look puffy too. I've put him out to bask but it hasn't helped. I have NatureZone (i think that's the brand) Turtle Eye Drops i've been giving him but they are only dropped on his eyelid because we can't open his eyes and i'm scared to try. What can i do???? What would cause this??? The water is clean... UGH!

From what you wrote, it possibly could be a Vitamin A deficiency or the beginning of a respiratory infection. Will he eat if you hold the food in front of him? There`s some information on eye problems and what to do about them at http://www.turtlepuddle.org/health/eyes.html and www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/medeyes.htm

he will not eat if he cannot see. I would put this little
guy in a different enclosure. Large rubbermaid containers
are cheap. I would not give any Vitamin A. This diagnosis
is way over done and as a result you could kill your turtle
overdosing it.

It has to be either the start of a respiratory infection or
the habitat somewhere. I would maybe not use all the chemicals
you are using and see if the problem clears up. Go to any
pharmacy or Walmart and get a tube of Triple Antibiotic ointment.
Just ask the pharmacist if you are unsure of what it is.
Place a very thin layer of this across the eyes. On the outside,
not in the eye and soak in warm water for a few minutes. This
should open them up. After the eyes are open try feeding him.
I wouldn't even worry about using a filter in "sick room" Make
sure he has a basking area where he can get out of the water
very easily. This area should be about 85-90 degrees so that
his immune system can work correctly.

I know it seems like a lot to do, but if you do not correct
quickly, your hatchling has a very good chance of not making
it. If it is a respiratory problem and you leave him with your
other turtles, they may catch it, so please seperate them.

Come back and up date us. I will watch the forum in the event
you have any more questions.

Good luck.
Linda

What is Turtle Clean and ZooMed ReptiSafe? Most long-term herpers don't use a lot of the water treatment products on the market because they are not necessary.

Katrina